Summer 2013 Vol. 23, No. 2 Research Edition
This year, millions of people will use psychedelics outside of supervised medical contexts. It is not uncommon for psychedelic users to have difficult psychedelic experiences, such as due to taking too much or being in a challenging environment or emotional state.
As part of our broader mission to educate the public honestly about the risks and benefits of psychedelic drugs, and to minimize the harms associated with their non-medical use, we started the Zendo Project.
What is the Zendo Project?
The Zendo Project is an onsite harm reduction service providing tranquil space, water, and compassionate care for individuals having difficult psychedelic experiences. Our mission is to:
- Provide a supportive space for individuals undergoing difficult psychedelic experiences or other psychological challenges in order to turn those experiences into opportunities for learning and personal growth, and to reduce the number of drug-related psychiatric hospitalizations
- Create an environment where volunteers can work alongside one another to improve their harm reduction skills and receive training and feedback
- Demonstrate that safe, productive psychedelic experiences are possible without the need for law enforcement-based policies
Zendo Project Indiegogo Campaign Raises $17,786 for Psychedelic Harm Reduction
This summer, we asked for your help in raising funds to support the Zendo Project at festivals and events around the world. Our passionate community of supporters took us beyond our original goal of $10,000 in just 11 days, and the excitement didn’t stop there. In 30 days, 245 funders from nine countries donated a total of $17,786 to support our psychedelic harm reduction services.
These funds will go directly to transportation costs for the structure, equipment, and volunteers, as well as materials to make the space even more comfortable and inviting. Reaching our goal means that Zendo Project volunteers will have the resources they need to address the growing need for these services. [[THIS PARAGRAPH CAN BE CUT IF NECESSARY]]
Our supporters took us far beyond our original goal, helping us reach not one, not two, but our first three Stretch Goals. Our community made sure that our volunteers will be well-equipped, with:
- A network of two-way radios for Zendo volunteers
- CPR and First Aid Certification for Zendo volunteers
- A solar-powered cooling system for the Zendo structure
Our Indiegogo campaign is over, but you can still make a contribution any time at maps.org/donate.
zendoproject.org
What Is Psychedelic Harm Reduction?
The Four Basic Principles of Psychedelic Harm Reduction
- Create a safe space
- Sitting, not guiding
- Talk through, not down
- Difficult is not the same as bad
A difficult psychedelic experience is not necessarily a bad one. With proper preparation and understanding, it is possible to help someone having a difficult experience so they can receive the most benefit from it.
